Innovation Fuels New Life in LaPorte

Dominique Walker used the WOW! Projects™ methodology to fuel her idea for a new ultrasound machine at the clinic.

Beacon Medical Group LaPorte is now able to offer ultrasounds to patients, thanks to the innovative spirit of its medical sonographer Dominique Walker.

Dominique used the WOW!Projects™ methodology to fuel her idea for a new ultrasound machine at the clinic. Beacon Medical Group LaPorte did not previously have a fully operational machine and ultrasound tests were sent to a nearby facility.

Dominique, who is trained in performing ultrasounds, brought her idea to Jewel Abram-Copenhaver, operations coordinator for the Pfeil Innovation Center. She helped Walker start the WOW! Project process, a framework that helps turn innovative ideas into a reality. Through the WOW! Project process, Walker learned the hospital was undergoing an ultrasound machine upgrade. As part of the upgrade, the hospital planned to trade a used machine for a new ultrasound machine from a manufacturer. Greg Piper, Beacon’s Executive Director of Supply Chain, helped negotiate a trade of the LaPorte clinic’s machine instead. Memorial’s used machine then went to LaPorte, and the company’s brand new machine to Memorial.

After all the hard work and obstacles, Walker was ecstatic to finally have the “new” ultrasound machine in her clinic.

“When it pulled into my room, I was overwhelmed with excitement and joy and disbelief it was actually happening,” Dominique remembered. “To see it in action, was such elation.”

The story illustrates the success that results from a strong vision and unyielding persistence.

“If you have a passion or you have an idea about something within our organization, no matter how large or how small, start with WOW! and you’ll be able to fulfill that passion or that need,” Greg said. “Each and every person has the ability to make things better, whether it’s for the patients or for each other.”

Got a great idea for a WOW! Project? Call Jewel Abram-Copenhaver at 574.647.2688 or JCopenhaver@beaconhealthsystem.org.